The purpose of the US-Japan Leadership Program (USJLP) is to develop a network of communication, friendship, and understanding among the next generation of leaders in each country. Any American or Japanese citizen between the ages of 28 and 42 on the first day of the first conference they are applying for is eligible for USJLP. The Program aims to foster a continuing dialogue among future leaders in a broad variety of professions. It starts this process by bringing some 20 young leaders from each country together for two intensive week-long conferences over two years, with discussions revolving around historical and current issues in bilateral relations, as well as issues reaching beyond our two countries.